Roberto Martinez denies bid has been made for Ireland midfielder James McCarthy

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has denied that the club have made a bid for Republic of Ireland international James McCarthy.

Martinez admits he is still looking to strengthen his Everton squad, but is adamant no bid has been made for the Wigan midfielder.

Martinez was the one who brought McCarthy to the Premier League when he signed him from Scottish side Hamilton in 2009.

He said: "I think it's quite easy to understand that James is a player I signed at a young age and I've got huge admiration for him, so it doesn't take anyone [much] to create a little bit of a story. But there has been no bid.

The Everton manager said he is happy with the players that have come in but didn't rule out the possibility of adding to the squad before Monday's deadline.

"What we're doing actively is trying to identify maybe another strong character that can help us in the dressing room.

"But as I've mentioned before, I'm very, very happy with the squad.

“We made a strong effort to bring players in really early in the window to make sure that they could adapt to the dressing room and I'm very pleased with that.

"But while the window is open, you always need to be actively looking around to see if you can get anyone to help the squad."

Martinez also confirmed that Manchester United have made no new fresh approach for Marouane Felliani and Leighton Baines.

The Toffees have already rejected one bid from United from the pair and there have been reports that a new bid has been made.

But Martinez, whose Everton side take on Stevenage in the Capital One Cup at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, said that is not the case.

Asked if there had been a new offer from United, he replied: "No, no other news."

He told Everton's official website: "I know we are going to be talking about the transfer window but that's not what we are focusing on now."

Asked about the transfer window unsettling players at his stage of the season, Martinez said: "It happens up and down the country and it is a global concern in football. I think the football authorities need to look into it and not put the players, the fans and the league in this situation.

"You are going to get people's minds turned in every dressing room in the country, but that's what the laws in the game are forcing us to do.

"It's not a great situation so that's why we want to focus on the games."

United boss David Moyes' attempted raid on his former club saw an initial bid of #28million for the two players - Everton responded by releasing a statement describing the offer as "derisory and insulting."

Moyes signed Belgium midfielder Fellaini for Everton in 2008 for a fee that has already reached £17million with add-ons, yet United appear to be offering only £16million for the 25-year-old.